Proven in the Falklands...still serving 30 years on.
On the 20th April 2018 the Royal Fleet Auxiliary 'Argus' (1981) is seen under repair at A&P Falmouth. Italian-built, 'Argus' was formerly the container ship MV 'Contender Bezant'. The ship was requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War and purchased outright in 1984 for use as an Aviation Training Ship. In 1991, during the Gulf War, she was fitted with an extensive and fully functional hospital to assume the additional role of Primary Casualty Receiving Ship. In 2009, the PCRS role became the ship's primary function.
As the ship is armed and is not painted in the required white with red crosses, the Geneva Convention prevents her from being officially classified as a hospital ship.
When purchased by the MOD as a stop gap few would have though that a converted merchant ship would still be playing an important role over 30 years on.
Proven in the Falklands...still serving 30 years on.
On the 20th April 2018 the Royal Fleet Auxiliary 'Argus' (1981) is seen under repair at A&P Falmouth. Italian-built, 'Argus' was formerly the container ship MV 'Contender Bezant'. The ship was requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War and purchased outright in 1984 for use as an Aviation Training Ship. In 1991, during the Gulf War, she was fitted with an extensive and fully functional hospital to assume the additional role of Primary Casualty Receiving Ship. In 2009, the PCRS role became the ship's primary function.
As the ship is armed and is not painted in the required white with red crosses, the Geneva Convention prevents her from being officially classified as a hospital ship.
When purchased by the MOD as a stop gap few would have though that a converted merchant ship would still be playing an important role over 30 years on.